Real Madrid and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his joy at experiencing a World Cup in Brazil, as the tournament looms large a mere week away.

The World Player of the Year, 29, told media network Sportlobster: "Playing a World Cup in a country like Brazil, a brother, is exciting."

"Portugal and Brazil have historical connections, the two countries speak the same language, so I think it will be a fantastic experience and I believe that the Brazilians will help us too."

On his own country's ambitions, Ronaldo added: "In my opinion, it is the strongest group of the cup (Group G), let's take it one step at a time. We know we have an important match against Germany, then we will face Ghana,finally the United States. Our goal, of course, is to pass the gorup stage. And we will."